Clot Protection Urged During C-Section

A doctors’ group says that women having a baby by cesarean section should wear inflating boots to reduce the risk of a blood clot. If the clot travels to the lungs, it can be deadly. Any surgery raises the risk of a type of clot called deep vein thrombosis. Women’s risk of deep-vein clots also increases during pregnancy. The boots or stockings inflate off and on to squeeze the lower legs. This helps to keep blood flowing and prevent clots. Many hospitals use them after other types of surgery. Now the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says they should be used for a C-section as well. The guidelines also urge doctors to assess women’s risk of clots and monitor them carefully during pregnancy. The Associated Press wrote about the new guidelines August 30.